Code of Ethics

The Office of Counseling Services functions as a department within the Division of Student Affairs, and, as such, operates within the framework of all federal and state laws and all policies of the Division. Further, it adheres to strict standards set forth in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, American Counseling Association, the Code of Conduct, Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners, and is guided by the Accreditation Standards for University and College Counseling Centers, International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. With these as a foundation, the personnel in Counseling Services strive to fulfill the departmental mission in providing quality services both sensitively and professionally. Counseling Services adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, or disability.

Louisiana Tech University adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.

† American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3061

†† NCDA 305 N. Beech Circle, Broken Arrow, OK 74012

Practices & Procedures

Welcome to Louisiana Tech University Counseling Services. We know that the decision to come for counseling may have been a difficult one. This Declaration of Practices and Procedures is designed to answer frequently asked questions and to allay any concerns that you may have about your relationship with your counselor.

1. What types of counseling services are offered and what are the fees?

Counseling is offered free of charge to all currently enrolled Louisiana Tech students. Counseling, both group and individual, is provided for personal/crisis, career decision making, and study skills development issues. For the most part, students who use our services are interested in their personal growth and adjustment to the world around them.

2. With whom will I be speaking?

The counseling staff is comprised of licensed counselors and a consulting licensed psychologist (names and credentials are presented above). Graduate student interns and counselors working toward licensure also serve as a part of the staff. Our training spans a broad range of approaches to counseling. Each staff member has had training and specific experience working with college students.

3. What does the counseling process involve?

As a part of your counseling experience, you will be invited to complete a confidential Intake form during the initial visit to help in setting counseling goals. All information provided will be held in the strictest confidence.

Your counselor's role will be to assist you in identifying areas of concern that interfere with your education, emotional and social well-being, and in designing goals to address those challenges.

Number and frequency of sessions, goals, and type of counseling (personal, study skills, career) are all negotiable between you and your counselor. In most cases, your counselor will suggest five sessions for the quarter, but in unusual cases more sessions may be added. A fifty (50) minute time period is set for each session, beginning on the hour. Each counselor has his/her own counseling style, employing techniques based upon sound counseling theories. You will be directly involved in your counseling and may be asked to participate in activities in the counseling sessions or to complete "homework assignments" between sessions.

While you present one or more concerns about your life, you need to be aware that other issues may surface in the course of your counseling. You and your counselor will address them as they become evident.

4. How do I know that my confidentiality will be protected?

The counseling relationship and information resulting from it will not be disclosed outside of the professional counseling staff without your permission. The exceptions to this rule are (1) when, in the judgment of your counselor, such disclosure is necessary to protect you or someone else from physical harm, (2) when there is reason to suspect that a child or elder needs protection from abuse, (3) when special protection is needed for a student 17 years of age or younger, and/or (4) when there is a court order. Counselors-in-training may present cases unidentified to their faculty supervisor. These professionals are bound to strict standards of confidentiality just as counselors are.

5. What records are kept about me?

You have the right to review your educational records in the registrar's office at any time. All records and counselor's notes compiled during the counseling process are for the counselor's professional use only. Seven years after your last contact with us, your files are destroyed.

6. What are my responsibilities as a client?

1. Keep appointments. The counselor and other students are inconvenienced if you are late of miss sessions. Please reschedule an appointment through the secretary as soon as you realize you will be unable to keep an appointment. After two no shows, you will be asked to speak directly with your counselor before an appointment can be scheduled.

2. Be prompt. Call the center if you are going to be late.

3. Be an active participant. In order for your counseling to be effective, it is necessary for you to take an active role in the process. Participation involves communication with the counselor, being honest in discussing concerns, completing outside assignments, and informing the counselor if you decide to terminate.

4. Notify your counselor of any other current professional mental health relationship. The Louisiana Code of Conduct for Professional Counselors dictates that permission must be granted by a therapist in order for another therapist to work with the same client simultaneously.

5. Inform your counselor of any physical concerns you may have and/or any medications you may be taking. If you have not had a physical examinatino within the past year, your counselor may suggest that you do so.

7. May I seek the services of a counselor via e-mail?

No counseling is conducted electronically. If you need to speak with your counselor, please phone the office. In case of an emergency, the University Police (318-257-4018) will contact a counselor.

8. What can I do if I need a counselor in the event of an emergency?

You may contact the University Police (318-257-4018) and they will be able to contact a counselor on your behalf.

All above information is based on the Louisiana code of Conduct for professional counselors, LPC Board of Examiners, 8361 Summa Avenue, Suite A. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 922-1499. Licensed Professional Counselors are required by law to adhere to this code. A copy will be made available to you upon request.